Investment Pattern

a casting pattern taken in the molten state from a mold during casting by the lost-wax method. The pattern is made in one piece or in parts by filling a press mold with molten facing compound. After the facing compound hardens, forming a refractory skin, the press mold is opened and the finished pattern or its parts are removed; the parts are joined with a soldering iron. Paraffin, stearin, ceresin, rosin, polystyrene, polyethylene, or peat and lignite waxes can be used in making the facing compound. Investment patterns are used to make one form. After the facing compound is melted from the mold, it can be used again.